Need help! Ideas on what to do with this 35 year old fireplace?
by
Jackie D
+42
Its the fireplace itself that I would like to change without a lot of cost. We have had the insert for a good many years, it still works, but we are on a burn day/ no burn day which leaves us unable to use it much. So I could without it (yes or no). I still want to keep the mirrors with wood trim and blue paint on each side. The mirrors open the room up and reflects light from the window. Molding and trim are all done in wood don't want to change any of that. There is still wallpaper over the fireplace from years ago, it could go? That is what I use to brings all the colors in the room from. Don't really use a TV in here, so no TV over fireplace. Its what to do with the fireplace and above it that has me stumped. Its also a vaulted sealing.
This shows the fireplace with the insert. Which is not necessary to keep.
shows the whole look with mirrors and wood trim. Also the colors of the walls are blue with a tan, a valance of multi colors that match the old wallpaper.
20 answers
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The fireplace is a feature and the paper is too pale to make the fireplace pop. Might paint the wall in the same blue or darker tone as the other walls. I'd remove the wreath above the pic., move the brown candle sticks in from the end. I'd also edit some of the things you have on the mantle. Think the tea pot would look better on the mantle. Think one of the brown candle sticks would look good on the other end for balance. I'd probably put the round clock with the 2 shorter candlesticks, and the larger clock? and teapot with the single candlestick on the left. See absolutely nothing wrong with the fireplace itself.
Marion Nesbitt
on Oct 12, 2014
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Love the insert! Agree to change the paper.
Adrianne C
on Oct 13, 2014
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I also like the blue walls! Replace the wallpaper with the same blue paint, maybe you could paint the mantle shelf white to really contrast with the blue walls, but the actual fireplace is nice. You could replace the picture with something that has a white surround as the blue isn't the same (if you do change it!) Good luck!
Hayley@ TheDesertNestDubai
on Oct 13, 2014
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I'd take out the insert. You'll feel like the room is larger just from that. Also, I'd take off the wallpaper, and paint all the wood ~ and nearby walls ~ to match the brick....and place plants/flowers in the open hearth off-season.....
Dayle
on Oct 13, 2014
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Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. All of you gave me great thoughts, of what to do. I shall get rid of wall paper for sure and most likely paint that area blue. Most of you like the fireplace as is and so far keep the insert... ? The items on the mantle are always changing where the go or if they stay. They get re-araranged a lot.. Thanks for the ideas I shall use them. Just looking for input!
Jackie D
on Oct 13, 2014
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I would paint the fireplace wall a darker blue (almost navy? or like the teapot?) to contrast with the other blue and bring your eyes up from the fireplace insert. Right now, it dominates the whole wall and, perhaps, the whole room. Paint the mantle the same dark blue as the wall to continue the up, up, and away. Remove all the stuff from the mantle. I think the picture may look alright once the background wall is painted darker and it may just pop it out of the drab background it holds now. Remove the wreath piece. If you replace it with any other dried flowers, please consider a massive piece if same shape that goes across mantle width. If you don't like the picture, consider a very large wreath of all-seasons dried grasses that include some blue-greys, red berries or bird feathers (Peacock?) that will seem too much until you hang it. Bold, bright and even a metallic accent piece or two. You need weight and height to bring your eyes away from the insert. If I kept it, I would want it to anchor the room, not overwhelm it. Best of luck.
Rhonda Davis
on Oct 13, 2014
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Have you thought about tile? The Dresden blue tiles would look great with that fireplace!
Marie Stallone
on Oct 16, 2014
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Marie Stailone, I was trying to stay away from tile, I don't want to get into major work! You would have to tear out the tile to re-tile yes / no ? Thats probably the best way but thats also expensive, Thanks Jackie.
Jackie D
on Oct 17, 2014
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Fireplace and insert are nice. These are a focal point. Too expensive to retile, too much blue, and what if you decide to paint walls another colour down the road.
Marion Nesbitt
on Oct 17, 2014
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i love the fire place , i would paint the wall paper a real pretty red , then paint the mantle a real pretty red . then i would some pretty flowers on the mantle ,i would the owl on there , i like owle's, i got them , would not take any thing for them , because i have have them for a long time
Rosa cassidy
on Jan 18, 2015
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Hi Jackie, well get ready for my answer, you may not like it. :D I think the insert really dates your fireplace and inturn, the room. Also if those are artificial flowers, i would get rid of those also, they really date the room. I would remove wallpaper and paint the wall, fireplace mantal and fireplace a nice soft white. That will really brighten that room and freshen and update it. I am not a fan of those types of pictures (it's very hard to tell if it's a true painting ) it looks like ones are are for sale at Kmart or Walmart (sorry, i warned you ( : ) A mirror above the fireplace is what you need. You can find a mirror at Walmart, Kmart, Kohls, Homegoods, Homedepot, Lowes, flea markets, garage sales. Paint the frame a pretty warm grey. Replace candles with white ones. Right now there is way to much wood or wood tones in that room and it looks blah and tired, you could even paint those wood stripes on the right and left of fireplace ( don't know if they go all the way to the ceiling or not. Leave the tall slender clock in the middle of mantal and your candle sticks to right or left and some fresh flowers on the other side. There you have my fix. I know it sounds a little daunting but it will be so worth it. Hope you are not to affended, it certainly wasn't meant to be an insult. I'm sure you have a lovely home. Have a wonderful day, be sure and post pics as you go, would love to see what you do.
Diena Cameron
on Jan 21, 2015
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Have to disagree with white fireplace idea. Too cold and contemporary to be cozy in my opinion.
Marion Nesbitt
on Jan 22, 2015
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Hi Jackie, I am so glad that you're not affended. My sisters and I have always done alot of decorating in our lives and we are all very creative, albeit some more than others, lol. That means thet are all very creative and I am just a little creative :D The reason I said that about the mirror is because I thought you were on a tight budget, so I didn't want to suggest going out to Pottery Barn or Arhaus or Ballards. They do make some very nice mirrors for not alot of money ( Kmart, Kohls, Homegoods, Homedepot, Lowes or Walmart.) . Maybe take the mirrors and wood trim down !, no, just kidding. I really can't wait to see what you do. Have fun on your project and I am looking forward to seeing it all done and pretty. Take care, Diena
Diena Cameron
on Jan 22, 2015
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O.k., I got ya Jackie. You know, no matter what anyone says, do what you're gut tells you. You're the one that matters and so if you love it that's all that counts. Do you like the fireplace now that you have taken the insert out ? You can always refresh the paint inside by using bbq or fireplace paint that is made for high temps. and if you don't really use the fireplace you can always stack candles in there. They give off a beautiful glow without the heat.
Diena Cameron
on Jan 22, 2015
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Hi Jackie, wow, you have been busy ! I like the paint above the fireplace "and" the matting around the picture. It really does empathize the painting now and not the matting itself. I take it back (please forgive ). I knew once i hit send, i would regret it :D I can't wait to see the fireplace once it is all done, I don't think I have ever seen a insert that has changing lights like that. Don't work too hard. Oh, glad the flowers and wreath arn't coming back in, can't help it :D Maybe you don't have a green thumb, i personally don't ) : I try but nothing ever seems to grow to long for me, except i have one beautiful fern (maiden hair ) that I have managed to keep alive for about 20 years now. Take care. Anticipating your big reveal, Diena
Diena Cameron
on Jan 26, 2015
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Diena, you don't need to be forgiven for anything,I was not offended by your comments or any of your suggestions, I enjoyed your ideas and it is always a help to get others insight. Last night I worked on the wall some, not done yet but I can see its working out so far but the final project with the fireplace and all the work with it who knows ? I hope I have not offended you in anyway ! Its all good, if you have an idea or statement always let it be know.... hit send !
Jackie D
on Jan 26, 2015
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Have finished the re-do of the fireplace and wall above,but for now I shall post only the mantel and thats because I need some ideas on how to decorate the mantel. After that I shall post the final pictures of the whole re-do. Now I have birdhouses through out and sad to say a collection of owl's in bright colors. I do like color !
Jackie D
on Feb 09, 2015
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Really liked the original insert, but I really like the new one, too. It is less imposing, streamlined and pretty cool. Just me - get the idea, but probably would have kept the lower brick rather the wood replacement in front of the insert. (Maybe just eyesight, but pic looks like it's hung higher than originally?. If so, i'd lower it to original height so more of the artistry on the wall shows.) I like those candesticks and glass clocks you had on the mantel before. I'd play around splitting up the candle sticks (dark) and glass clocks to get a balance on each end of your mantle. (Eyes aren't so great so couldn't tell your other ornaments were owls!) Since they are small, you could cluster a few on each end with each candlestick(s)/clock display for pops of colour. There is now space on the bottom beside the insert. Maybe you could put one of your birdhouses here. Would go easy as can get cluttered looking. You posted a pic of a lamp - it's great with the blue and light tan, and looks like it cost big $! At any rate, all the work is done. Time for real fun - playing around with accessories!
Marion Nesbitt
on Feb 15, 2015
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I love the wood glad you kept it, I also loved the old fireplace but not necessarily the gold trim. I can understand wanting something less messy and more usable. The new one does look more stream lined and opens up the room. I'm glad you removed the wall paper it really dated the room. I would have thought the blue paint went better with the other picture to me this picture and your fireplace are in more earthy tones and probably gone with those for the wall. But over all most certainly a big improvement for your living room! Great work.
Cheryl Richards
on Mar 01, 2015
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Diena Cameron, if I send you a picture will you help me with a redo. Maybe you should set yourself up As a consultant.
Kathleen
on Mar 01, 2015
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